Finding a job for a working holiday in Japan is a little different from working holidays to other countries. The main target is young people from overseas, and their goal is to “earn money while experiencing a different culture in Japan”.
Below is a detailed explanation of how to find a job for a working holiday in Japan.
- Using job sites on the Internet (including for foreigners)
This is the most common and efficient method.
Job sites and platforms for foreigners:
GaijinPot Jobs: The largest job site for foreigners living in Japan. It lists a wide range of jobs, including English teachers, IT, service industries (hotels, restaurants), interpreters/translators, and clerical positions at international companies. You can also search by Japanese proficiency level.
Wantedly: Used by many Japanese startups and venture companies, it is characterized by a casual atmosphere where you can apply by “going to listen to what they have to say”. There are many jobs where you can utilize your language skills.
CareerCross: A job site specializing in foreign companies and global companies. Business-level Japanese and English skills are often required, but there are also jobs with high salaries.
Indeed: Mostly Japanese jobs, but if you search with keywords such as “English speaker”, “foreigners welcome”, or “language (native language) speakers”, you can find jobs for foreigners.
LinkedIn: A social networking site for professionals, but you can find jobs from foreign companies in Japan and companies looking for specific skills (IT, marketing, etc.).
Daijob.com: A job site for global talent.
General Japanese job sites (if you have Japanese language skills):
Townwork, From-A Navi, Baitoru, Mynavi Baito, Engage, etc.:
These sites mainly feature general part-time and part-time jobs in Japan. If you have Japanese language skills of N3 to N2 or higher, your options will be greatly expanded.
This is particularly effective when searching for jobs such as “hall staff”, “kitchen”, “convenience store”, “supermarket”, “factory”, and “cleaning”.
If you enter keywords such as “foreigners welcome” and “international students welcome”, you will easily find companies that are actively recruiting foreigners.
Tips:
Prepare your resume (in Japanese format) and work experience. If you are from an English-speaking country, prepare an English resume as well.
In your self-promotion and motivation for applying, positively communicate the purpose of your working holiday (intercultural understanding, interest in Japanese culture, etc.).
Use the website’s filtering function to narrow down your search by desired job type, location, and Japanese level.
- Recruitment agencies and dispatch companies (services for foreigners)
This is effective when you are looking for a highly specialized job or want to find a job more reliably.
Recruitment agencies for foreigners:
There are many recruitment agencies in Japan that specialize in recruiting foreigners. If you register, they may introduce you to jobs that match your skills and preferences, and provide support such as resume editing and interview preparation.
Examples: Pasona Global, JAC Recruitment, etc.
Dispatch companies:
This is useful if you are looking for short-term or one-off work. For example, event staff, hotel banquet service, guided interpretation, etc.
Registration is required, so it is easy to find “spot jobs” that you can work on days that suit you.
Advantages:
There is a possibility of finding unadvertised job offers.
Since you can receive professional support, you can search for work with peace of mind.
Disadvantages:
The jobs introduced may be limited.
Language ability or specialized skills are often required.
- Direct application on site (walking in)
This is an effective method, especially in the service industry.
Restaurants (cafes, restaurants, izakaya, etc.):
Look for stores with “Part-time job wanted” or “Staff wanted” signs posted in front of the store.
Even if there are no signs, go directly into the store and ask “I’m looking for a part-time job. Do you have any openings?” and hand over your resume.
Tips:
Avoid busy times and visit during relatively quiet times (e.g. idle times before lunch or dinner).
Appear neatly, wear clean clothes, smile, and speak clearly.
Practice a simple self-introduction and reason for wanting the job in Japanese.
Hotels, inns, and tourist facilities:
Hotels and inns in areas with many tourists (Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, etc.) have a high demand for foreign staff. They are especially hiring for front desk, housekeeping, and bell staff.
Tips:
Check the recruitment information on the website in advance, and if there is none, inquire directly.
Appeal that you can use English or your native language.
Advantages:
You can speak to the recruiter on the spot, so it’s easy to convey your enthusiasm.
You may be able to get an interview right away.
Disadvantages:
It may not be efficient because there may not be any recruitments.
You will need a certain level of Japanese language ability (depends on the store).
- Language school support and bulletin boards
This is a very useful source of information if you are attending a language school first after coming to Japan.
Job support:
Many Japanese language schools provide support for students to find part-time work. They provide guidance on how to write resumes, interview practice, and job information.
There are also bulletin boards attached to the school where job listings from stores around the school and companies that are actively recruiting foreigners are posted.
Information from classmates and teachers:
You may be introduced to places where people work and job information by friends in the same situation. Teachers are often also knowledgeable about the area.
Advantages:
Even if you are unfamiliar with job hunting in Japan for the first time, you can receive thorough support.
You can obtain reliable information.
- Social Media Community
Facebook Groups:
There are groups such as “XX (city name) Japanese Association”, “Jobs in Japan”, and “Part-time jobs for foreigners”, and job information may be shared.
Tips: There are also scam-like job offers, so be careful when applying and be careful with your personal information.
Meetup:
There are communities for various hobbies and themes, and you can get job information and expand your network through interaction.
Blogs and SNS of people who have experienced working holidays in Japan:
Blogs and YouTube videos of people who have actually experienced working holidays in Japan may introduce their experiences of looking for a job and information on job sources.
Tips and things to note when looking for a job in Japan
Proof of Japanese language proficiency: Having a level in the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) can be an appealing point on your resume. Even if you don’t have it, you should be able to communicate your Japanese language ability, such as daily conversation level or business level.
Preparing a Japanese resume and job history: If you are not familiar with the unique Japanese format, it is a good idea to create one using a sample as a reference or get support from a school or agent.
Preparing for interviews: In Japanese interviews, etiquette (bows, language, etc.) may also be emphasized. We recommend that you research basic business etiquette.
Understanding residence status and working conditions:
With a working holiday visa, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, but working in some industries, such as the adult entertainment industry, is not permitted.
You should also check the maximum number of working hours allowed during your stay (usually there is no limit on the number of hours per week, but full-time work is common).
Taxes and social insurance: Once you start working, you will need to understand about taxes and social insurance (health insurance, pensions, etc.). In many cases, your company will handle the procedures for you, but you should also check for yourself.
Be flexible: Even if you don’t find the job you want at first, it’s wise to start with a job that is relatively easy to get hired at (such as a Japanese restaurant or convenience store) to establish a foundation for your life.
Seasonal and regional differences: Jobs tend to be easier to find in tourist destinations and urban areas, but options may be limited in rural areas. The number of tourism job openings may increase or decrease depending on the season.
